Congressman Meeks Launches Local Initiatives to Provide Relief to Haitian Americans

(WASHINGTON, DC)– At a press conference on Friday, Congressman Gregory W. Meeks, in response to the earthquake that hit Haiti on January 12, announced a series of initiatives to assist Haitians and Haitian Americans living in the Sixth Congressional District. “While we are witnessing the incredible resilience of the Haitian people,” Congressman Meeks pointed out, “it is important that we do whatever we can to assist in the relief and rebuilding effort.” Meeks said that he had hosted a town hall to listen to the concerns of the Haitian American constituents.

“Our office has been able to assist with evacuations of American citizens from Haiti, one of whom joins us today ten year old Victoria Milord who was attending the American Academy in Delmas, a boarding school, in Port-au-Prince. We were able to reunite her earlier this week with her mother Rose-May who lives in Queens Village. I am happy to announce that Victoria celebrated her tenth birthday yesterday here in Queens.” Victoria shared her experience during the earth quake, and sleeping on the sidewalk for three days before her grandmother walked with her to the American embassy which arranged for her to return to New York. Victoria said, “I am glad that I am an American because when an earth quake happens they will come and get you.”

Congressman Meeks said that his initiatives included another town hall meeting today, Monday, January 25, 2010, at 7:00 PM at St Joachim & Anne Church located at 218-19 105th Avenue, Queens Village, NY, at which officials from the Department of Homeland Security’s United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will discuss Temporary Protective Status for Haitian nationals living in the United States.

“Andrea Quarantillo, USCIS District Director for New York City will answer questions concerning the filing of applications for TPS work authorization, filing fees, and processing,” he said. Last week, President Barack Obama and Secretary Janet Napolitano of the US Department of Homeland Security granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for an 18-month period for Haitian nationals. Congressman Meeks said that “lifting the threat of deportation brings much needed relief to thousands of Haitians in my district and throughout New York City who can now focus on helping their loved ones back in Haiti.

For those who would prefer one-on-one application assistance, beginning on Thursday, February 4, 2010, in partnership with City University of New York, an attorney will be available in my district office to assist constituents with the application process at no cost. The attorney will see applicants each Thursday in the month of February, by appointment only, between the hours of 9:00AM-5:00PM at 153-01 Jamaica Avenue, 2nd Floor, Jamaica, NY. In addition, I will also collaborate with the City University in hosting an application day to assist Haitian nationals, on Saturday, February 20, 2010, from 10:00am-2:00PM, at York College’s Academic Building, which is located at 94 - 20 Guy R. Brewer Blvd., Jamaica, New York 11451.”

Congressman Meeks also stressed that “in the aftermath of this horrific catastrophe the Haitian people will need a great deal of continuing support from the American people.” Saying that “the response from the Queens clergy has been tremendous,” the six term Member of Congress announced that Rev. Dr. Edward Davis, President of the Queens Clergy United for Community Empowerment (CUCE), Pastor Curtis Norton Jr. of Merrick Park Baptist Church, and Pastor Charles Norris of Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church, in tandem with more than 100 churches and community leaders throughout the Sixth Congressional District, will host a Humanity for Haiti Inspirational Concert at York College Performing Arts Center, located at 94-45 Guy R. Brewer Blvd. Jamaica, NY 11451 on Saturday, January 30, 2010 at 4PM to assist with the relief efforts in Haiti. For more information contact CUCE: 718.297.0720.

Meek stated that, “Together as a community we will continue to work to assist Haitian nationals living in our district and to bring relief and support to the people of Haiti.” For additional information on Congressman Meeks’ initiatives, please contact his district office at 718.725.6000.